Bancroft’s named Essex Tennis ‘School of the Year’
Bancroft’s School has been named Essex Tennis 'School of the Year' 2025/26, as part of the LTA Awards, recognising the breadth, inclusivity and impact of the school’s tennis programme over the past year.
The award celebrates schools that make a significant contribution to tennis at county level, and Bancroft’s was recognised for its commitment to ensuring tennis is accessible to all pupils, regardless of experience, ability or background.
Tennis for all
At Bancroft’s, tennis opportunities span the whole school. Pupils are introduced to the sport through taster sessions, curriculum PE in Years 3–4 and Games lessons from Years 5–13, alongside a wide programme of inter- and intra-school fixtures and tournaments.
After-school tennis clubs are open to all abilities, with a particular focus on supporting beginners and less confident players. Sessions use a 4-a-side “multi-touch” format designed to build skills, confidence and enjoyment in a supportive team environment.
In 2025, more than 200 mixed-ability pupils regularly attended these sessions.
This approach has had a notable impact on participation, particularly among girls.
Female participation in tennis at Bancroft’s has increased by 192% since 2012, with pupils reporting that they feel more confident playing as part of a team with friends.
Competition, confidence and leadership
Competitive opportunities are carefully structured to be inclusive and positive. In 2025, 309 pupils took part in Year Group Inter-House Tennis Tournaments across eight competitions.
The school also hosts two Inter-Year Doubles Championships for pupils in Years 6–10, with 44 girls and 50 boys entering in 2025.
For pupils new to competition, popular “FUNbledon” doubles tournaments for Year 7 and 8 pupils offer adapted rules and a relaxed, encouraging environment. These events also provide leadership opportunities for older pupils, with Year 10 students taking on roles such as umpiring and coaching as preparation for the LTA Tennis Assistant course.
More experienced players are supported through “Play Your Way to Wimbledon” events and LTA Youth Schools competitions. In 2025, six teams across Years 7–10 played 16 LTA Youth Schools fixtures, alongside a further 57 A and B team fixtures across U12–U18 age groups.
Watch the ‘Play Your Way to Wimbledon’ video
Partnerships and community impact
The growth of the programme is supported by strong partnerships with local coaches and clubs. Josh Stokes, a Level 4 coach from PH Tennis, works on site, while Woodford Wells and Chingford School of Tennis provide additional courts when needed. Ongoing links with Porter Tennis at Woodford Wells, including promotion of holiday camps, have helped many pupils continue playing tennis beyond school and join local clubs.
Bancroft’s has also developed meaningful community links with East London schools supported by the Greenhouse Sports charity. This has led to the annual Bancroft’s–Greenhouse Tennis Festival, now in its fourth year, bringing together pupils from Clapton Girls Academy, Sarah Bonnell School and St Anne’s for a full day of doubles matches.
The impact of this event has been significant. Christine Dransfield from St Paul’s Way Trust described it as “an event that pushes pupils outside their comfort zone”, offering new experiences, environments and opportunities to compete.
Looking ahead
In addition to tennis, Padel has recently been introduced as a Games option for pupils in Years 10–13, with weekly sessions at Rocket Padel in Ilford. The school aims to develop this partnership further in future seasons, complementing its existing tennis provision.
The Essex Tennis ‘School of the Year’ award is a testament to the commitment of pupils, staff, coaches and partners, and to a shared belief that school sport should be inclusive, supportive and ambitious.
What happens next
As a county winner, Bancroft’s will now be considered by the LTA shortlisting panel for the next stage of the National Finals and Excellence Awards, with further updates expected in March.
Essex Tennis will also hold a County Awards Ceremony on 16 April to celebrate all county winners.
The school would like to thank everyone involved in delivering the tennis programme, particularly Mandy Wainwright, Head of Tennis, for her fantastic leadership, passion and commitment.
